Grow Southwestern Indiana Teacher Manufacturing Bootcamp hosts local educators

The University of Southern Indiana Outreach and Engagement’s Corporate Partnership and Customized Training and the USI Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education participated in the Annual Grow SW IN Teacher Manufacturing Bootcamp in June. This two-week event allowed educators and counselors to visit local manufacturing businesses and campuses to learn about the variety of careers in manufacturing and income potential.  

“Each year, at the end of the two-week bootcamp, participants give a final presentation on what they learned about local manufacturing careers and what STEM curriculum they plan to implement in their classrooms,” says Paula Nurrenbern, Director of Corporate Partnerships and Customized Training through USI’s Outreach and Engagement.  “Many expressed they were surprised by the variety of careers available at these manufacturers and now realize how important the STEM disciplines are for their students who may get jobs in manufacturing.” 

Participants toured the Romain College of Business labs and classrooms and the Applied Engineering Center and labs where they attended a presentation from Dr. Todd Nelson, Assistant Professor of Engineering. Paige Walling with Southwest Indiana STEM Resource Center also presented information to educators on the resources available for local schools to borrow for their classrooms. ​This opportunity increases awareness of STEM application in the manufacturing field so that educators in Indiana can assist students with educational paths after high school.